The following motion was passed at Newbury Labour Party’s All Members Meeting on March 11th 2019.  The motion has been passed on to Labour’s General Secretary and Chief Whip as instructed

Against Trial by Media

This CLP acknowledges the need for individual cases to be treated as confidential for the entirety of the disciplinary process, and therefore respects the advice given by Labour’s General Secretary to this effect.

This CLP further believes that the same principles of confidentiality and natural justice should apply to our elected representatives. We therefore call upon the General Secretary and Chief Whip to issue advice to Labour’s parliamentary representatives that they should not discuss individual cases in the media or elsewhere. In cases where this advice is ignored, there should be sanctions imposed, which could include the withdrawal of the whip.

There are a number of current cases where members of the PLP have commented extensively in the media. This CLP believes that this is a clear breach of the confidentiality Jennie Formby refers to in her guidance. This CLP calls on Jennie Formby to review current cases and where appropriate rule that cases should be dropped where members can no longer receive a fair hearing as a result of breaches of confidentiality.

This CLP further believes that investigations, particularly where the accused is subject to administrative suspension, should be undertaken and concluded swiftly. Justice delayed is justice denied.

This resolution to be sent to the General Secretary and Chief Whip.